MaltyVerse – No Pressure Whiskey Review

Distillery: M B Rolland Distilling—Pembroke, KY

Proof: 96.0 (48.05% ABV)

Age: Five Years

Mashbill: 78% Corn, 17% Rye, 5% Malted Barley

MSRP: $80/700ml

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Comic on the Label—Sweet Mash, No Gimmicks in the Bottle

MaltyVerse is a creative whiskey-entertainment concept that blends comic book stories with limited-edition whiskey releases.  Each bottle pairs with a story, offering a unique entertainment-oriented drinking experience.

“No Pressure” is part of the second release in the series with another entry into the enthusiast-level bourbon category.

The whiskey was distilled and matured by MB Roland Distillery in Pembroke, Kentucky.  MB is one of the few craft distilleries in Kentucky with a commitment to sweet mash fermentation.  The mash bill—78% corn, 17% rye, and 5% malted barley—feels like a classic Kentucky bourbon, but their process stands apart from the classic as MB Roland forgoes the prototypical sour mash technique found in most Kentucky bourbons and whiskey.

Only 218 bottles were produced, each in a 700 mL format.  The packaging may lean comic and stylized, but the whiskey itself is grounded:  no secondary finishing and no shortcuts–and stronger for it.

MaltyVerse – No Pressure Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.1/5

Warm, grain-forward Notes appear first, think oven-fresh cornbread, light caramel, and orange peel.  A little toasted oak to out the profile.

Strengths:  Good complexity and layers of aroma at a moderate proof.
Why It’s Not Higher:  It could use a larger range of aromas.
Rating Justification:  A “charming” well-composed Nose.  Engaging, making you want to come back again.

Palate – 3.95/5

Mouthfeel is creamy and smooth.  Notes of vanilla wafers, pecans, and a hint chocolate.  Mid-Palate brings baking spice—clove—then shifts toward oak.

Strengths:  Pleasant mouthfeel.  Steady and even transitions from sweet to light spice.
Why It’s Not Higher:  The mid-Palate loses steam as the flavors dull considerably before the spice and oak notes come forward.
Rating Justification:  A strong showing with a traditional Kentucky bourbon flavor profile but its just shy of the structure needed to hit Gold.

Finish – 3.75/5

The Finish starts with notes of cocoa, light toffee, and some citrus zest.  Oak makes an appearance before a quick and quiet dry fade out.

Strengths:  Balanced.  No harsh edges.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Short and lacking depth—good, but not memorable.
Rating Justification:  For the proof point, the Finish is above average.  It simply closes a bit too soft and quick.

Value – 3.9/5

At $80, “No Pressure” sits in a competitive price range—the 700ml format and its modest Finish takes a slight toll on overall Value.  While the sweet mash process and limited-edition nature may justify a premium, enthusiasts who expect a 750 mL volume or longer flavors may hesitate.

Strengths:  Transparent craft production.  Limited availability from a respected Kentucky distillery.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Non-standard bottle size.  Abbreviated Finish.
Rating Justification:  A worthwhile enthusiast purchase, but the volume-to-price ratio and restrained Finish keep it from scoring higher.

MaltyVerse – No Pressure Whiskey Review: The Verdict

“No Pressure” doesn’t try to overdeliver—perhaps that’s its charm.  It’s a restrained, grain-forward bourbon that holds up to its craft roots and sweet mash process without relying on gimmicks or secondary finishing.  The flavor structure is toasty sweetness, mild citrus, and gentle spice.  While the Finish falls short and the 700 mL format will give some enthusiasts pause, there is Value in the bottle for those drawn to the authenticity of a single barrel from a reputable distillery.

Strengths:  Sweet mash identity.  Well-balanced craftsmanship.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Finish lacks staying power.  Value.
Rating Justification:  A well-executed release with some enthusiast appeal—confidently Silver, just a tick below Gold.

Verdict – 3.9/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3